Bishop Robert C. Morlino
1946 – 2018

Bishop William Patrick Callahan and the people of the Diocese of La Crosse wish to express their condolences on the death of Bishop Robert C. Morlino, 4th bishop of the Diocese of Madison. Bishop Morlino died on Saturday, November 24th, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1974, for the Society of Jesus, later becoming a priest of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. On July 6, 1999, Pope Saint John Paul II appointed him the Ninth Bishop of Helena. Later he was appointed bishop of Madison on May 23, 2003, and installed on August 1, 2003. He was very active throughout his distinguished service to the Diocese of Madison, most notably his work building up priestly vocations, liturgical reverence, and ministry to the larger community.

Funeral arrangements are pending. Visit the Diocese of Madison’s website for more information. Here is the link to the full announcement.

Please remember Bishop Morlino and the Diocese of Madison in your prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May the Lord give you peace.

The bishops of the United States are joining together in a commitment of prayer and reparation leading up to our General Assembly, where we will be making critical decisions in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. With my brother bishops across the nation, I will be dedicating myself to seven days of intensified prayer and fasting from Monday, 5 November, through Sunday, 11 November.

The intentions for this period of prayer and sacrifice are three-fold:

• For the healing and support of all victims of clergy sexual abuse.
• For the conversion and just punishment of the perpetrators and concealers of sexual abuse.
• For the strength of the bishops to be holy shepherds in protecting and leading our sheep from all harm.

If you feel called to do so, you are welcome to join me in praying for these intentions. I would also be grateful for any prayers for me and my brother bishops during our general assembly, that we may follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit in responding to the tragedy of clergy sexual abuse in the Church.

Please be assured of my prayers for you, as well.
Sincerely in Christ,

+Willliam Patrick Callahan
Bishop